WWW.POTATOGROWER.COM 37
1957-4GowGroup13s.indd 1 5/3/18 2:54 PM 142583EZTarp16v.indd 1 12/10/14 9:04 AM
and pink discoloration declined rapidly after
that time in both cultivars. The highest incidence
and severity of blackspot bruise occurred at 24
hours; however, over 80 percent of the total
bruises could be seen after three to five hours,
depending on force of impact and cultivar.
Darkened black spots can be observed in less
than five hours, but maximum discoloration will
still take upward of 24 hours.
These results highlight the ability to use pink
or brown/black bruises as an early indicator for
bruise evaluations within an operation. These
subdued colors may indicate the freshest bruises
and can allow for pinpointing the source of the
bruise. Bruise assessments can begin within a
few hours after sampling, and it is not necessary
to wait 24 hours. A hot box is not needed, but
a good eye to see various "shades" of a bruise
is, especially for bruises caused by lower
impacts. The earlier bruise-impact locations are
identified, the quicker changes can be made to
help ensure the best-quality potatoes.
Rabecka Hendricks is a graduate student
research assistant, and Nora Olsen a professor
and potato specialist, both based at the University
of Idaho's Kimberly Research & Extension Center.
Mike Thornton is a professor of plant sciences and
chair of UI's Parma Research & Extension Center.
